In the Uchiha clan's territory, at the elders' training ground, the three young ninjas had already arrived. Uchiha Fugaku was also present as a special guest today.
Fuma was discussing the application of chakra in taijutsu with Kushina. Her eyes sparkled with excitement as she animatedly demonstrated, channeling chakra into her fists. It was evident she enjoyed this combat style.
Minato was meticulously copying the Flying Thunder God Technique from a scroll onto draft paper. He had a strong feeling that this technique was destined for him. Despite his reserved nature, Minato couldn't wait to master it.
He had already named twelve of his moves, such as "Konoha's Turbulent Vortex Strike," imagining how impressive they would be when he defeated his enemies.
As for Nawaki, he was late. Tsunade was dragging him along, rushing to the training ground.
"—Sorry, Fuma-sensei!!"
Nawaki finally arrived half an hour late, with Tsunade giving him a stern look. Fuma smiled warmly at Tsunade and whispered in her ear, "I missed you even though we just had breakfast and trained together this morning."
Tsunade rolled her eyes dramatically, replying loudly for all to hear, "Did everyone hear that? I'm Tsunade, and Fuma just said he missed me!"
A brief silence was followed by cheers and jeers from the young Uchiha clan members.
"Fuma, do you miss her or not?"
"Fuma, can you handle a girl from the Senju clan?"
Fuma smiled faintly, appreciating Tsunade's boldness and wisdom. Gathering his breath, he responded even louder, "Tsunade, I missed you!"
The cheers and laughter filled the Uchiha clan grounds, even the elder's voice could be heard. This display was not just for show but to demonstrate Tsunade's importance to the Uchiha clan. It was a way to test their reaction and show transparency.
A marriage alliance between the Senju and Uchiha clans was unprecedented in a thousand years. Historically, such alliances resolved disputes and built trust.
Especially with Fuma, son of Kagami, and Tsunade, the granddaughter of Senju Hashirama, this union was symbolic. It had the potential to alter the dynamics of Konoha significantly.
The young ninjas, still too immature to grasp the significance, thought the couple was simply acting childishly. Uchiha Fugaku, however, saw the deeper implications of Fuma and Tsunade's union, understanding its potential impact.
He admired their strength and the way their families served as support rather than a hindrance. Clearing his throat, Fuma began today's lesson.
"Nawaki, you know Fugaku. He's just been promoted to Chūnin. Today, you'll train in a real combat exercise. Both of you should give it your all. I'll intervene if things get dangerous."
After giving Nawaki instructions, Fuma briefly spoke with Fugaku, who looked annoyed at the prospect of fighting a younger opponent.
"—Begin."
Nawaki drew his weapons and shouted at Fugaku, "Fugaku, you jerk! Fighting me is an honor for you!"
Fugaku, already impatient, activated his two-tomoe Sharingan. With a swift, calculated move, he launched twelve shuriken at Nawaki, their paths curving unpredictably.
Nawaki was startled by the shuriken's trajectory but managed to dodge them, albeit clumsily. His footing was unstable, and Fugaku saw an opening, charging forward and stopping his blade at Nawaki's neck.
Fuma signaled Fugaku to step back and began to explain.
"For ninjas below Special Jōnin, shuriken are very effective. They can block movements, test abilities, and with someone like Fugaku, can even kill."
"Nawaki's performance, while poor, was standard for an average Genin. He did dodge the shuriken, after all," Fuma said, trying to console Nawaki, whose face was reddening with embarrassment.
"Next, Fugaku, no more throwing weapons. Continue."
Nawaki stubbornly retorted, "I just made a mistake. I don't need anyone to go easy on me. I'm strong!"
Ignoring Nawaki's defiance, Fuma nodded, signaling them to continue.
Fugaku, with a haughty glance at Nawaki, performed hand signs, "Fire Style: Great Fireball Technique!"
A massive orange fireball shot toward Nawaki, who calmly began his own hand signs, though slower. "Water Style: Water Wall!"
Thanks to Nawaki's abundant chakra, his technique, despite its slow speed, managed to counter the fireball.
"Sizzle—"
The clash of fire and water produced a thick mist, obscuring Nawaki. Fugaku smirked, his fingers moving swiftly, "Earth Style: Earth Flow River!"
The ground shifted, turning into a river of mud, advancing toward Nawaki. Still shrouded in mist, Nawaki barely saw the attack, deciding to defend with another jutsu.
Nawaki hurriedly sped up his hand signs, only to see Fugaku leap high, his blade descending swiftly. Considering the mudslide below, Nawaki thought if he counterattacked, they would both fall into the mud, where he had the advantage due to his physical strength.
Resolving himself, Nawaki leapt up to face Fugaku head-on. Fugaku, slightly surprised by Nawaki's straightforward charge, didn't alter his strategy. His Sharingan spun, casting a genjutsu.
"Genjutsu: Demonic Illusion: Hell Viewing Technique!"
Nawaki felt dizzy as he looked into Fugaku's mesmerizing red eyes, and he plummeted to the ground, unconscious.
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